KUDUS – Tennis balls frequently arc across the net. On the sidelines, coaches observe the participants' movements to provide corrective feedback. Some are seasoned with the racket, while others are still learning to position their bodies and direct the ball.
Laughter and conversation occasionally fill the air. The training sessions are not just about sport, but serve as a learning environment for those new to the game.
This is a typical scene at Sweet Swing Tennis, a community established in December 2024 that provides training for all levels, from beginners to experienced players.
Founder and Head Coach Hanna Levina says the community was built to make tennis accessible to a wider audience. Prior experience is not required, as training starts with the fundamentals.
Hanna observed a common perception that tennis is a difficult sport to pick up. Novices can often feel intimidated by technical complexity and the specialized equipment.
Through Sweet Swing Tennis, participants are guided through racket familiarity, basic movements, and controlled drills before transitioning into game play, with coaching tailored to each individual's ability.
The community is open to everyone, from adults looking to start the sport to children interested in learning.
"My hope is to make tennis in Kudus more inclusive. I want more people to try the sport, including children. Who knows, perhaps new athletes will emerge from this," said Hanna.
While Hanna believes increasing participation expands the talent pool, the focus of Sweet Swing Tennis is not strictly on competitive achievement.
The training sessions serve as a recreational outlet, a place to socialize, and a collective learning space.
Sweet Swing Tennis offers diverse training programs catering to various formats and skill levels. Available options include semi-private sessions, weekend swing or open classes, coaching for social play, private sessions, and specialized programs for children.
The semi-private program is held every Thursday at 7:45 p.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB) and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. WIB. These small-group sessions incorporate drills, fun matches, and fitness training.
For beginners, Sweet Swing Tennis offers weekend swing or open classes every Saturday at 6:00 p.m. WIB, focusing on fundamental techniques and fitness conditioning.
The coaching for social play program is designed for upper beginner, intermediate, and advanced players. Participants play in a social setting while receiving direct professional guidance throughout the session.
Meanwhile, private sessions provide flexible scheduling with customized training programs tailored to individual needs and goals.
For children, the tiny champs program is available for ages 3–5. Other options include semi-private, private group, and one-on-one training.
Children’s training sessions take place at the Kodim Tennis Court and the Rukun Indoor Tennis Court, typically beginning at 3:00 p.m. WIB.
The fee for an open class is Rp 85,000, which includes the coach, court rental, ballboy, tennis balls, and complimentary racket use.
Those interested in joining Sweet Swing Tennis programs may contact them via direct message on their Instagram account, @sweetswingtennis.
Sweet Swing Tennis focuses on the fundamentals of the game in every training session. Participants not only practice hitting the ball but also learn footwork, balance, coordination, and body mechanics during play.
Coaches provide individualized corrections to ensure proper form, helping participants establish correct playing patterns from the start.
Participants are encouraged to voice any difficulties during practice, allowing coaches to tailor their approach to each person's skill level.
The program options allow participants to train according to their abilities and goals. Beginners can start with fundamental techniques, while experienced players can join sessions with appropriate levels of difficulty.
Sweet Swing Tennis member Heru Sancoko, from PT Sami Jepara, first discovered the community on Instagram. His workplace facilitates activities that accommodate employees' athletic interests, and he chose to pursue tennis.
Heru has been playing tennis for about two years. At Sweet Swing Tennis, he does not just play; he receives instruction on technique and match play.
He trains regularly every Thursday. According to Heru, practicing with a community offers a different experience compared to training alone.
At Sweet Swing Tennis, participants receive coaching on basics, drills, opportunities to play, and professional feedback, which has helped Heru better understand movement and how to read the game.
For Heru, tennis is a way to stay active, socialize with friends and coaches, and gain new skills.
One of the most important lessons he has learned is patience. Maintaining consistency and emotional control becomes a challenge when the game does not go as planned.
Balls that felt well-struck sometimes land out of bounds. Such situations require players to accept mistakes, refocus, and continue the match.
Currently, Sweet Swing Tennis has 30 to 40 active members with skill levels ranging from beginner to experienced.
Training sessions are held at Lapangan Rukun in Kaliwungu and the Kodim court. The "weekend swing" open class is held every Saturday at 6:00 PM at Lapangan Rukun, Kaliwungu.
Youth training is also conducted at the Kodim Tennis Court and the indoor Rukun Tennis Court, offering parents options to introduce tennis to children at an early age.
For participants without their own equipment, the availability of free racket rentals during open classes provides an accessible entry point for those looking to try the sport.
Training sessions also offer members a chance to maintain their fitness while connecting with fellow tennis enthusiasts.
Despite its growth, Sweet Swing Tennis faces a significant hurdle: limited court access. The scarcity of facilities complicates efforts to increase the frequency and availability of member training sessions.
Currently, the community maintains a diverse array of training programs catering to varying skill levels and goals. Beginners can focus on fundamental techniques, while more experienced players can engage in drills tailored to their proficiency and specific needs.
Hanna, a representative, says her goal is to see more Kudus residents embrace the sport. Beyond competitive aspirations, she envisions tennis as a sustainable and popular choice for regular physical activity.
Through its various training programs, Sweet Swing Tennis aims to bolster the popularity of the sport in Kudus, providing inclusive learning opportunities for participants of all ages and abilities. (OEB/YSR/ITN/mainkekudus)
